Middle East

A State Dept. official called the verdicts "an important first step in holding those responsible for the terrible crime accountable." But a U.N. official called them a "mockery" of justice.

Even under indictment, the Israeli leader remains a potent figure thanks to his popularity with his party base and the rightward shift of the country, writes Aaron David Miller.

The measure, known as the Caesar Syrian Civilian Protection Act, authorizes sanctions for war crimes. It is included in the newly passed 2019 Pentagon budget.

Defending the former leader, a military spokesperson says that someone who "served the country for over 40 years, fought wars for the defense of the country can surely never be a traitor."

Amid huge protests and a boycott, five candidates with links to the Bouteflika regime squared off and former Prime Minister Abdelmadjid Tebboune came out ahead.